Suggested packing list - Europe - Winter
Last Updated: Feb. 08, 2012
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe
What to pack for travel to other parts of the world

The following is a suggested packing list for a Contiki winter tour to Europe.
People are individuals though and often have personal preferences and opinions as to what to bring. The following then is not a definitive list, but should give you a good guide as to what you should pack for your European winter tour.
Clothes
- 1 rainproof jacket/small umbrella
- 1 or 2 shorts/skirts
- 1 thick sweater
- 1 swimwear (some hotels may have pools)
- 2 or 3 pairs of jeans
- 2 or 3 T-shirts
- Underwear (lots)
- Socks (lots)
- 2 or 3 casual shirts
- Trousers
- Dresses
- 1 set of smart clothes (eg tie, blazer, jacket or suit for evenings out while on tour)
- 1 thick, warm jacket
- scarf, gloves and warm winter hat
Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes – waterproof if possible – snow is cold and wet
- Thongs/flipflops/sandals
- ‘Going out’ shoes
Toiletries
- Toiletry bag
- Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Deodorant
- Make up, moisturizers and hair products
- Suntan lotion – just because it’s cold doesn’t mean there is no sun
- Handkerchiefs/tissues
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
Miscellaneous
- Travel Clock
- Sunglasses
- Plastic bags
- Washing powder
- Sewing kit
- Aspirins/medications
- Pens and writing materials
- Rechargeable phone card
- Power adapters
- Day bag
- Overnight bag
Label your suitcase inside and out with your name and your home address and perhaps attach a sticker, ribbon, patch or other unique identifier to your luggage to make it easier to spot.
Carry a copy of your passport, visas, travel and other important documents as well as your travellers cheque numbers (if you use them) with you in your luggage. You should also leave a copy of all this information at home with someone trusted and contactable while you are away.
Don’t pack your travel documents and passport in your luggage, rather take it with you in your carry luggage.
Remember to bring more than enough of any medication you might need along with you and carry prescriptions for any medications that you carry with you.
Laundry Facilities
Information regarding Laundry Facilities as you travel through Europe.
Add a Comment Comments (53)
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Howdy from Texas, no idea what to expect in Europe in the Winter, March 2012. I know its a ways off, but i can ask my folks for good X-mas presents that would help with my trip
Austin Explorer
posted on Nov. 15, 2011
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Anyone going on the European Encounter (Winter) from Nov 4th-20th, 2011?
nice_ah posted on Sep. 12, 2011 Flag as Inappropriate
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Anyone heading on the European Discovery, Dec 27 tour?? Or have done it before email me at dianajane.90@hotmail.com please :)
thanks x
dianajanesworld
posted on Jul. 03, 2011
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Anyone heading on the European Discovery, Dec 27 tour?? Or have done it before email me at dianajane.90@hotmail.com please :)
thanks x
dianajanesworld
posted on Jul. 03, 2011
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we have booked our winter wanderer tour for March 2012.what should we pack?do we have to drag our suitcases when we are having our free time?or can we leave them at the hotel or on the bus?
SophnAddy
posted on May. 16, 2011
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Hi Sami, I have no idea about packing (I’m a notorious overpacker too) But I thought I’d say hi as my boyfriend and I will be on the 4th of Jan trip too :)
Emmajaaane
posted on Apr. 21, 2011
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hey guys..
i am going on the winter wanderer tour starting on the 4th of Jan & was wondering if anyone has any advice on what is essential to pack, as i’m known for overpacking!
also i’m from the south of Australia so i don’t really experience cold weather much!!Sami Warren posted on Apr. 11, 2011 Flag as Inappropriate
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European Vista on the 5th November?
Its going to be freezing especially seeing that I’m from Australia and it is never that cold.
Explorer1235509
posted on Feb. 24, 2011
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silly question…should I bring a towel with me???
Explorer1225794
posted on Feb. 07, 2011
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Hi all!
Im going to be heading over to london and europe in October, I cant decide what type of jacket to buy!
I have seen a good Down waterproof jacket which will be really warm and waterproof or just to get a waterproof jacket????
http://www.macpac.co.nz/shop/en_nz/waterresistant-downjacket-11.html
What do you guys think :) ?
Thnks heaps!
Kirsty
Explorer1230497
posted on Jan. 30, 2011
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Hey everyone…. I’m planning on doing the Winter Wanderer departing London on Dec 23 2011 with my younger brother. This list does seem a bit short that Contiki has suggested. Has anybody done a Contiki in winter and packed too much/too little for the 24 days? Are there laundry facilities in most hotels that we stay in?
ecekiwi
posted on Jan. 15, 2011
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Hi I’m thinking of doing the Austria Ski tour in January 2012… any suggestions on definite clothing I’ll be needing? Does anyone know if you need to bring your own ski/ snowboarding pants or can stuff like that be hired?
Ash Rose
posted on Jan. 06, 2011
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European Encounter 29th Dec will be there with my mate… 2×22y/o female
corbubbles
posted on Nov. 28, 2010
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Anyone going on the European Encounter departing 29 dec 10?...
Explorer1213242
posted on Oct. 18, 2010
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Is anyone going on the Great Britian & Ireland trip starting on Oct 1st 2010? It will be great to hear from people that are going on the same trip or have done the tour before. I’m from Whyalla in South Australia and if people want to contact me, they can at danielharrold04@yahoo.com.au
Any tips too would be great :)
Explorer1160176
posted on Sep. 26, 2010
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Hey Hannah,
I am booked to go on that same Winter Wanderer tour. We have a facebook group going, if you’re on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=133310453368492&ref=tsI’m a notorious overpacker, so I’m just going to try to pack as little as possible. From all of the weather I’ve looked into, the average temps are above freezing, so I don’t know about snow in Oct-Nov. We may get a snowfall, but I doubt much will stay on the ground.
I found a great vest that I’ll be packing, and wearing long-sleeved shirts underneath. I know walking around so much will heat us up a bit, and may make it too warm for a big bulky coat. Oct-Nov is hard to plan for, as it can be really cold or really warm!
Canadian1212
posted on Sep. 12, 2010
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Anyone been to spain (spanish spree) in winter? What’s the weather like there?
Explorer1200036
posted on Jul. 26, 2010
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Hi guys!
I’m Kadie (26) from South Africa! Going on the European Vista on the 16th October 2010. Anyone else going? Facebook me: Kadie Trollip.
Will be in London for a few days before we start!
Please get in touch! Would be awesome to meet some ppl beforehand
xXx
Kadie
posted on Jul. 06, 2010
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Hi Guys,
Anyone going to European Magic October 14, 2010…..?
Brenda
posted on Jul. 05, 2010
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European encounter leaving 8th Oct 2010 – 28yr old female travelling solo from QLD Australia…anyone else joining the tour?
Loni
posted on Jun. 30, 2010
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